Paul Eugene Carpenter

A humble man with humble beginnings, Paul “Gene” Carpenter, age 85, was born at the family farm homestead on Snyder Church Rd in Baltimore, OH, on October 13, 1936, to Herman U. and Oma R. (Snider) Carpenter.  He became a follower of Jesus Christ at the young age of 7 when he chose to be baptized and the LORD filled him with the Holy Ghost.  For the next 78 years, Gene pursued a relationship with Jesus Christ through daily Bible study and sincere daily prayer, never wavering in his faith…and great was the faith he possessed in his Lord and Savior.

After graduation in 1955 from Liberty Union High School, Gene began working in Lancaster, OH, for Diamond Power where he was trained as a draftsman.  He devoted more than 34 years there upon his early retirement in 1992.

In 1957, life took a turn for the better for Gene; he met the Love of His Life, Ann Shallow, a timid and sweet gal, hailing from Michigan.  They married in 1958 and spent the next 59+ years raising children and traveling the world until the LORD called Ann home in 2017.

Dad was a man of integrity with a servant-heart.  He served his country in the U.S. Army, trained as a Frontline Medic, for two years at Sandia Base, Albuquerque, NM.  He served his community passionately and faithfully by donating his blood…26 gallons worth!  He served his church, New Life Christian Center, with 40 years of greeting and welcoming people, offering a warm handshake and a genuine, broad smile.  He also ushered and served many years on the church’s Finance Team.  And you could always find Gene before each church service and on Saturday mornings in the Prayer Room, talking to the LORD, mostly on the behalf of others.

Dad’s greatest passion was his family.  Father to three children, Grandpa to six, and Great-Grandpa to three precious little ones, Gene imparted such kindness, gentleness, and tremendous love.  He was a natural listener, always attentive and interested in what his children had to say…making them feel important and treasured.

Throughout his entire life, Gene expressed heartfelt gratitude to any and every kindness showed to him.  He was generous with his time and limited finances, helping many people along the way.  He was hard-working, honest, and so very reliable.  He steadfastly put to practice his devout Christian beliefs.

On September 24, 2022, the LORD called Gene home after a lengthy run with Parkinson’s Disease.  He entered his heavenly rest so peacefully at Primrose Memory Care with family members at his side.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Cynthia (Scott) Weaver, Bob (Kim Ruprecht) Miller, and Steven (Sandra) Carpenter; his grandchildren, Jason (Andrea), Alex, Jessica (Emil Miller) Weaver and Emma, Phoebe, Nicklas (Joy) Carpenter; and his great-grands, Scotty and Henry Weaver.

Gene, who near the end of his life chose to go by Paul, is pre-deceased by his parents, wife Ann Carpenter, only sibling Faith Ann (& Ray) Hall, and his great-granddaughter Eliza Weaver.

Paul’s funeral service will be officiated by Pastor Gary Keller at New Life Christian Center, 2642 Columbus-Lancaster Rd., Lancaster, OH, on Sunday, October 2, at 3 pm with calling hours beginning at 1:30 pm, prior to the service at the church.  Paul will be interred at Union Evangelical Cemetery on Oct 3rd following a private graveside service.  Frank E. Smith Funeral Home of Lancaster is caring for the family of Paul, as well as Paul’s funeral arrangements.

In memory of Paul, please donate blood, if you are able, to the American Red Cross, 1-800-RED-CROS or redcrossblood.org to make your appointment.  You are also welcome to make a donation to the Missionary Fund of NLCC, P.O. Box 2239, Lancaster, OH  43130, in memory of Paul Carpenter to help spread the Gospel to the whole world, a cause near and dear to Paul’s heart. Online condolences can be made at www.funeralhome.com